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Canada Geese at Jackson’s Landing, one of the numerous wonderful natural locations our community has to offer. Courtesy Todd Selig
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For an opening this week, a lovely email received from long-time residents Sooty and Bill Tanguay: “We want to express our appreciation for the leadership, foresight and efforts that have gone into creating so many wonderful places to be outside in Durham. We have lived here more than four decades, but it wasn’t until this spring with the coronavirus restrictions, (and retirement helps too) that we have found the time to explore in depth so many of Durham‘s trails. They are such a treasure. Many thanks go to Ellen Snyder also. She is doing a magnificent job! We are fortunate to have access to so many places to feel peaceful.”
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON – VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS IN THE PANDEMIC AGE
The Governor, through his various executive orders, has provided authority for public boards in New Hampshire to undertake their business 100% virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fortunately, due to a lot of proactive planning, interested residents/applicants have many means through which to watch, follow, and participate here in Durham: DCAT-Channel 22, DCAT On Demand on the web, minutes of meetings, emails, paper letters via the US Mail, Zoom video, Zoom audio, and with some proceedings in person (while maintaining the current 10-person limit) attendance with appropriate social separation (the Council room chairs have been rearranged for this purpose). We will continue to monitor closely the process and will endeavor to continue to fine tune as needed to ensure continuity of operations, to the extent possible, during this unusual situation.
It is also important to realize that COVID-19 isn't the only threat that our town, state, and nation face. There are dangers inherent with an extended full-out quarantine related to physical health, mental health, domestic violence, food assurance, and family financial crisis. Our national and state leadership will guide us on ways to manage the lifting of the stay at home order, but the entities on the front-line are the towns.
The town staff, Town Council, and its boards, committees, and commissions have critical roles to play in determining how Durham will move into this prolonged new reality. We cannot put aside the work in front of us and wait a year or more to see if a successful vaccine is developed. We need to plan, prepare, and execute against multiple contingencies during this crisis. Be assured that we are working to ensure that Durham can continue to provide for the needs of its citizenry into the future, and that by doing so we also do our share in bringing New Hampshire and the country back toward normalcy.
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ZOOM ATTACKS NECESSITATE MEETING PRE-REGISTRATIONS
Zoom-bombing or Zoom raiding is the unwanted intrusion into a Zoom Town Meeting by an individual or individuals, causing disruption. The Town have had two meetings under attack. The Town Council meeting on Monday evening and the Energy Committee meeting on Tuesday this week were both Zoom bombed by bad actors, and effectively neutralized by DCAT staff. Swastikas were drawn on the Zoom screens that were visible by Councilors on Monday, followed by a large male figure laying in a pile of marijuana leaves upon which phallic symbols were drawn.
All Town meetings are open to the public and are at high risk of these intrusions. Due to the attacks, DCAT & IT have set new Zoom meeting parameters to hopefully thwart the raiders. Anyone wishing to take part in a Zoom Town meeting, will have to preregister before being sent the Zoom Town meeting link. You may also be asked to wait in a Zoom waiting room until the host allows you entry into the meeting. Preregistration links can be found on our Zoom Meeting page by clicking HERE. If you have any questions about Zoom meetings or preregistration, please contact: mailto:dcat@ci.durham.nh.us or call 603-590-1383.
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Young's Restaurant on Main Street. Courtesy Todd Selig
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END OF AN ERA – YOUNG’S RESTAURANT WILL NOT BE REOPENING DUE TO PANDEMIC
We have been notified by Kenny Young that Young’s Restaurant will not be reopening.
In his communication to the Town, Kenny Young wrote, in part, “Young`s has had a great run for over 52 years, and I`m proud of that. I`ve worked with so many wonderful people. The best part of my job has always been meeting fine people like yourself in a college community. My mother told me many years ago, "Nothing is forever". She was right! . . . So, I will be a landlord. We will be marketing our space very soon. I`m in the hopes that an eatery will fill the space with positive energy and vision for ALL of Durham including the university community.”
The Oyster River community is incredibly appreciative of the truly wonderful landmark restaurant the Young family and their dedicated staff have provided for generations of Durham residents, UNH students & staff, and visitors alike for many decades. This is a tremendous blow, both economic and psychological, to downtown Durham and the community as a whole. Who could have envisioned the wake of economic impact caused by this pandemic as recently as this past February?
Durham is proactively working to support our downtown businesses including providing them with the best available information on Federal and state economic relief programs, informing residents concerning what businesses are open for business, and enabling outdoor seating on via our Outdoor public sidewalks and on private property within local and state guidelines. For example, the Town will be permitting The Big Bean to move forward with outdoor seating.
Community members may want to reach out directly to Kenny and Cathy Young to wish them well at mailto:youngsrestaurant@comcast.net.
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Mr. Selig at the Town Hall wearing his mask. It’s a pandemic; wearing masks in public is the responsible thing to do. It conveys the clear message, "I care about your health, in addition to my own."
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AN ARTICLE IN THE NEW YORKER - Four Pillars of a successful Covid-19 public health strategy...
To read an interesting article from The New Yorker on strategies and needed cultural changes to reopen businesses taken from lessons learned in hospitals, click HERE. “The four pillars of our strategy—hygiene, distancing, screening, and masks—will not return us to normal life, but, when signs indicate that the virus is under control, they could get people out of their homes and moving again.”
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NH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO MEET AT UNH’S WHITTEMORE CENTER ARENA IN DURHAM DUE TO COVID-19
For the first time since the Civil War, the NH House of Representatives will be meeting outside of its respective chambers – in Durham. Instead of meeting at Representatives Hall, the 400-member House will meet at the Whittemore Center at UNH in Durham on June 11th.
The arena is home to the UNH Wildcats hockey teams and is used for other large events, seating about 6,500 people for hockey games.
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COUNCIL ASKED TO PROVIDE ADVICE AND CONSENT ON ADMINISTRATOR’S APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHIEF RENE KELLEY AS DURHAM’S NEXT POLICE CHIEF UPON CHIEF KURZ RETIREMENT IN JULY
The Town Charter at Section 4.6 requires that the Town Council provide its “advice and consent” to the appointment by the Town Administrator of Department Heads.
On March 27, 2020, Police Chief David Kurz submitted his notification of retirement and will be retiring from the service of the town, effective July 18, 2020. Chief Kurz came to Durham as police chief in January of 1996, appointed by then Administrator Larry Wood.
Upon carefully evaluating the Police Department’s present and future needs, and after conferring with Chief Kurz and department staff, as well as representatives from the University of New Hampshire that work closely with Durham Police, Administrator Selig is moving forward with the appointment of long-time Durham Deputy Police Chief Rene Kelley for the position of Police Chief at this time, to become effective July 18, 2020, and seeks the “advice and consent” of the Town Council for his appointment pursuant to the Town Charter. Deputy Chief Kelley will be promoting Captain David Holmstock to Deputy Chief, and the department will determine a process to identify the next Captain.
Overall, Deputy Chief Kelley’s skills, knowledge, experience, and training with which he has performed his duties in the law enforcement profession have set the standard of quality for those within the Durham Police Department to emulate when providing services to the citizens of Durham and the University of New Hampshire.
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OPEN DURHAM BUSINESSES AND RESTAURANTS/GROCERY STORES LIST
Residents have been spending so much time at home that they may not be aware of the local businesses that are still open and ready to serve our needs. Check out the website, Mighty Small, to get reacquainted with some familiar and new local shops that want to serve you. Mighty Small showcases seacoast businesses that are open for business during this time. It was created through a collaboration with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission and a local business owner.
See the updated list of the many dining choices in Durham HERE.
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STAFF RECOMMENDS PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 1 MONTH EXTENSION FOR DURHAM TAXPAYERS ON 1ST HALF PROPERTY TAX BILL PRIOR TO INTEREST ACCRUING DUE TO COVID-19
On Monday evening, the Town Council per normal practice will be asked to approve the tax warrant authorizing the Town Clerk-Tax Collector to collect partial payment of Durham property taxes assessed on April 1, 2020, in the amount of $16,811,397.00.
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, several property owners expressed a general concern that they or others may not be able to pay their property tax bills by the July 1st deadline (or 30 days after the issuance of the tax bills), which is when 8% interest would begin accruing per RSA 76-13. Although RSA 76:16 states that the selectmen or assessors can abate accrued interest for good cause shown, Durham’s legal council did not believe that RSA 76:16 could be applied during a pandemic. As a result, Durham, Rochester and Keene wrote to Governor Sununu expressing this concern which lead to his Emergency Order #25 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04 Temporary Modification of Interest Penalty for Late Payment of Property Taxes, authorizing municipalities and counties to use their abatement authority pursuant to RSA 76:16 and RSA 29:12 regarding accrued interest.
After much deliberation between Administrator Selig, Tax Collector Lorrie Pitt, and Assessor Jim Rice, it was agreed that an extra 30-day extension would be a good faith effort to Durham taxpayers considering the pandemic before interest would accrue. Therefore, if approved by the Council on Monday evening, it is recommended that 8% interest would begin accruing 60 days after the issuance of the June 2020 property tax bills (versus the statutory 30 days typically observed).
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COUNCIL ASKED TO APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF UP TO $376,233 IN FEDERAL CARES ACT FUNDING MONDAY REVENUE DUE TO COVID-19 IMPACTS IN DURHAM
The Town of Durham received a letter dated May 7, 2020, from Senator Martha Fuller noting that after weeks of advocacy from the state Senate, the State of New Hampshire announced that $40 million of federal CARES Act funds would be used for municipal and county grants to defray the costs incurred to combat and cope with COVID-19 - $32 million to municipalities and $8 million to counties calculated based on population.
In that letter, Durham was informed that it had been allocated up to $376,233. These federal funds can cover eligible COVID-19-related expenses incurred between March 1 and August 31, 2020. Eligible costs include increased welfare costs; interest on tax anticipation notes or other short-term borrowing; new telework costs for remote municipal operations; municipal building modifications and cleaning; and more.
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UNH Outdoor Pool. Courtesy DCAT Studios
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UNH OUTDOOR POOL, MENDUM’S POND WILL NOT OPEN IN 2020 – Due to pandemic, no Camp Wildcat either.
Due to current guidelines, including physical distancing expectations and the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has decided not to open the Outdoor Pool and Mendum’s Pond this summer. In addition, Camp Wildcat, sailing/kayaking/paddleboarding, and swim lessons will not be offered due to the limitations the pandemic response requires. After such a chilly spring, many are looking forward to the warmer weather. Unfortunately we will have to wait until summer 2021 to enjoy these favorite activities.
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UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM UPDATE
Given the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, and current guidelines, including social distancing recommendations, UNH has decided to largely cancel its on-campus youth programs for 2020. Some programs may offer online learning opportunities or activities.
The health and safety of UNH's youth program participants, staff and volunteers is always, but especially now, a priority. All UNH youth program staff are disappointed that the University cannot provide the usual in-person interactions with youth. They look forward to a healthier 2021.
For future updates, visit the UNH Youth Programs website.
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DOWNTOWN DURHAM CLEAN-UP DAY ORGANIZED BY TWO MAST WAY STUDENTS PLANNED FOR WED., MAY 20TH FROM 9-NOON
Mast Way Students and Durham residents Caroline Sterndale and Zadi Hale have been picking up a lot of trash around town in their spare time. You might be surprised that there's a lot of trash around town! Picking up trash is a great way to help your community and get outside during this time of social distancing. Join them - at a safe social distance - for a Downtown Durham Clean Up Day next Wednesday, May 20 from 9:00-Noon.
Durham Public Works will provide bags and bag pick up service at Sammy's Parking Lot. Everyone can spread out and pick up trash around downtown so participants don't have to be in one close group. Come anytime between 9:00-Noon to pick up and drop off bags. Hope you can join Zadi and Caroline! Let's see how much we can find!
You can also just pick up trash around your neighborhood if you don't want to come into downtown Durham!
You can also just pick up trash around your neighborhood if you don't want to come into town!
*Event - Downtown area cleanup
*When – Wednesday, May 20th anytime from 9:00am – Noon
*Meeting Location – Sammy’s Parking Lot. Pettee Brook Lane
*Clothing – Good footwear and Gloves
*Rain Date – Thursday, May 21st @ 9:00am – Noon
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REMINDER - Memorial Day Holiday coming up | Transfer Station will be CLOSED ON SATURDAY, MAY 23.
Curbside collection of refuse and recycling will be delayed one day on the week of 5/25- 5/29, for example, if your collection is normally on Monday, it will be on Tuesday that week, Tuesday’s on Wednesday’s, etc.
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AN UPDATE ON SEVERAL UNH TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVES...
Sidewalk on the southside of Main Street by tennis courts- Requests for bids was released on May 1st and bids are expected back at the end of May. If prices arrive in-line with estimates UNH expects construction to start in June and substantial completion by mid-August. Street lighting is included in the base project. Fencing and trees have been included in the proposal as added alternates.
There have been several discussions with the Downeaster, which has suspended operations with a hopeful opening in mid-June. UNH has taken this opportunity to deep clean the train station and the immediate area of benches and the waiting room. The suspended service has allowed Pan Am to conduct an upgrade of the infrastructure and the Town should be noticing workers replacing ties in the immediate area of the station.
Wildcat Transit (and Campus Connector) has continued operating with an abbreviated schedule but will be ceasing all operation on May 15th. UNH Transit services will likely resume on August 31st as the Fall semester commences. It is possible some reduced service may be restarted after July 1.
UNH is contemplating a consultant study of pedestrian control options at the intersection of Garrison and Main. UNH Police Chief Paul Dean is desirous of an exploration of these options at this intersection as the significant pedestrian activity at the intersection is very labor intensive. UNH has received a proposal from an engineering firm for a signal warrant analysis. UNH will consider contracting for that work after July 1 and then will discuss with the Town the findings and a strategy to move forward.
The University is modifying design plan details for completion of South Drive – As envisioned in the Campus Master Plan and to accommodate a planned new facility that will focus upon degrees overseeing Health Management. The facility is planned next to Greg Hall on the westerly side of the RR tracks.
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UNH Dairy Bar at the Amtrak station. Courtesy UNH website
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UNH DAIRY BAR TO REOPEN MONDAY, MAY 18TH FOR OUTDOOR WINDOW SERVICE/SEATING (only)
The UNH Dairy Bar will reopen on Monday, May 18th offering window service (only) with operating hours of 8:00am-2:00pm, M-F.
Online orders can be placed via GRUBHUB. The outdoor tables are being respaced - and seating area possibly expanded if demand warrants. The vestibule and train station will not be open at this time.
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DURHAM/UNH LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING WITH STRAFFORD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION AS PART OF NHDOT FUNDING PRIORITIZATION PROCESS
There was significant discussion at this week’s administrative Traffic Safety Committee meeting about developing a priority list for roadway projects within the boundaries of Durham that had been established by Strafford County Regional Planning with the assistance of Durham and UNH. The list is comprised of a number of projects that Durham and UNH would envision to be accomplished. Colin Lentz from Strafford Regional wanted to understand the Town and UNH’s priority list which is all part of seeking funding.
This draft working document is the result of the discussion and represents the desires of Durham and UNH as projects move forward and funding becomes available.
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SUPERINTENTDENT MORSE OUTLINES PLANNING PR0CESS FOR ORCSD SCHOOL OPENING IN FALL
ORCSD Superintendent of Schools Jim Morse indicates the country is beginning to talk about re-opening. He writes:
“Schools need to be thinking about re-opening as well. It may seem odd to think about the fall now, so many months away. The reality is school opens the last week of August, which is only 3.5 months away, a very short window to think through the complexity of reopening Oyster River. The NH Department of Education has started the process by forming a stakeholder’s group of some sixty people. I’m proud to share that Oyster River will be well represented on the state’s re-opening task force with four representatives: Catherine Plourde, OR Director of Student Services, Joshua Olstad, OR Technology Director, Felicia Sperry, MW School Psychologist, and Heather Machanoff, ORHS Counselor. The DOE Committee anticipates a report by the end of June. Oyster River administrators and teachers will also be envisioning what the opening of school will be like next fall. The administrators had their first organizational meeting to structure the work before us. There are considerable unknowns as we look toward late August and early September and many questions that will need answering. Will the state allow schools to reopen in the fall? We hope so, but we do not know for sure. Will there be a resurgence of COVID-19 after we start school, then forcing the district to revert back to remote learning? Will parents, due to health concerns, choose not to send their children to school even if we reopen? These questions alone mean the district must be prepared for two different openings and a contingency plan if a large number of parents choose to keep their children home.
As I see it, we must prepare for a traditional opening, a remote learning opening, a traditional opening and due to a resurgence of COVID–19 we are forced back into remote learning, and a plan to address high absenteeism.
To address the complexity associated with these options, I am forming a district-wide committee and parallel committees at each building. The District Committee will look at the district from a global perspective while the four building committees will look at re-opening from a building perspective. These committees, comprised of school employees, will be working diligently to complete the transition plan for Board review in August.”
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Rendering of the new ATO Fraternity site.
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ALPHA TAU OMEGA FRATERNITY PROJECT APPROVED BY PLANNING BOARD
The Planning Board approved a site plan for the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity on Wednesday. ATO purchased the former Elizabeth DeMeritt House at 18 Garrison Avenue from UNH in 2014. The fraternity, which until now has been a non-house chapter, will completely redevelop the site except for the existing building, designed in the 1930s by esteemed UNH architect Eric Huddleston (no relation to the former president) which will be renovated. There will be rooms for 44 brothers.
The project includes a parking lot for 32 cars, 10 moped spaces, and racks for 15 bicycles. Local landscape architect Robbi Woodburn designed an attractive landscaping plan with periwinkles, hollies, and hydrangeas and blight-resistant elm trees. The unsightly handicap ramp will be removed and the aluminum siding will be replaced with new clapboards. Parts of the site have become overrun with invasive plants which will be removed including multiflora rose (those monster pricker bushes), oriental bittersweet vines, and honeysuckle. Norway maple trees are considered invasive because of their aggressive sprouting but the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board agreed to preserve the two handsome, mature Norway maples in front since they add much to the site and have been here so long.
Because of the close proximity to an extensive wetland and Pettee Brook, the entire parking lot will be constructed using porous pavement. Porous pavement (also called permeable, pervious, and penetrable pavement) is built with space in between the asphalt solids allowing for stormwater to percolate through rather than run off. The drainage is then treated in a sand layer underneath the pavement before it makes its way slowly as groundwater to the wetland and brook. Sand may not be used on porous pavement as it would plug the pores. The pavement must be vacuumed several times a year to suck out any sand or silt particles that have settled into the interstices. Much of the technology for this environmentally advanced approach, which also includes porous concrete, was developed at the UNH Stormwater Center.
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NEIGHBORHOOD LIGHTS - The DFD will visit Durham neighborhoods Saturday nights in a parade-like fashion to lift spirits as outlined below.
The Town of Durham’s available emergency services units will be conducting rolling community visits through Durham neighborhoods on Saturday evenings between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the next several weeks. Residents are encouraged to exercise appropriate social distancing with their neighbors if they come outside during the parade.
The apparatus parade will train through the following streets twice during their visits:
Saturday, 05/16/2020: Stone Quarry Drive, Briggs Way, Riverview Road,
Shearwater Street, Cormorant Circle, Morgan Way, Williams Way, Tirrell Place, and Cedar Point Road.
The intent of this visit is to spread cheer by giving the kids and families something to look forward to as well as to let the community know that their emergency responders are still here and available to respond. Different neighborhoods will be visited each week.
This event subject to change due to emergency or service responses.
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DURHAM-DOVER-NEWMARKET CENSUS CHALLENGE DRAWS TO A CLOSE AT END OF BUSINESS FRIDAY
We have come to the end of the Dover-Newmarket-Durham Census Challenge. Though the main results will be out on Monday, here are the most current overall stats as of 5/13. On that date, Dover was at 67.5%, Newmarket at 66.2%, and Durham at 54.7%.
Yes, we have fallen behind but we are a town that falls in the “ hard-to-count” population, which means we have college students to count and not only is counting them already a task, but the pandemic pushed us further back as students had to leave campus and we couldn’t engage with the off-campus students who were still here because of social distancing!
In spite of all these obstacles, as a town we still managed to be in the top 10 of self-response rate in NH with 71% self-response rate.
The town of Durham (like many towns and cities) is comprised of multiple (3)census tracts. The downtown tract has a 26.0% self-response rate and is where most of the UNH off campus students reside. The tract where most non-students live actually has a 77.1% self-response rate. This tract is actually the 9th highest tract in NH's Congressional District 1, which shows what a great job we have been doing! Also, that tract in Durham has the #1 highest self-response rate in Strafford County! (Perhaps deserving of some award - perhaps a silver-plated toothbrush for Todd when he cleans a neighboring community's fire truck!)
Thank you for all your support through these months. However, the Census is not over, and if you know of any resident, student, or neighbor who hasn’t sent in their Census form, please pass along the information to do so.
Thank you as well to intern Jiedine Phanbuh (shown this week in the photos above) who has spearheaded the get out the Census effort despite the complications of the pandemic!
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New parking configuration for Middle School. Courtesy Todd Selig
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL – Meet Durham native Ryan Tirrell...
Ryan Tirrell is a creative and passionate Interior Designer dedicated to producing high quality and creative work. Ryan is skilled at transforming spaces through concept design and space planning to create the best environment for clients. He works diligently to help lead the ORMS design team and project owner to come up with strategies and solutions, both sustainable and cost effective, that have the highest impact for all involved.
Ryan was born and raised in Durham, NH and as an Oyster River alumni Ryan has been thrilled to work with this client, and this team to develop a truly impactful space for the Oyster River Community.
Ryan’s power point presentation to the School Board on May 6, 2020 may be viewed online HERE.
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OUTDOOR SEATING FOR DOWNTOWN DURHAM RESTAURANTS – Evaluating how to make it a reality.
The Town is endeavoring to offer expanded outdoor seating potential for downtown restaurants during the pandemic within generally established public health and safety guidelines. We already had an Outdoor Cafe ordinance in place so the application process is quite streamlined in Durham versus in other communities.
Outdoor tables must be placed to ensure appropriate social distancing, the public must be able to safely walk by, etc.
Restaurants can contact Planning Dept. Admin. Asst. Karen Edward to obtain an application mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST - Party changes...
The Supervisors of the Checklist will hold a session on Tuesday June 2, from 7:00 – 7:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall. The primary purpose of this meeting will be to allow last minute changes of party. This will be the last opportunity to do this before the September 8 State Primary. We ask that you wear a mask and bring your own pen. If you believe you have changed your party (meaning you voted at the February primary or other recent primary and changed your party either that day or after), check the following website to be sure: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/PollingPlaceSearch.aspx. If you changed your party AFTER the town election on March 10 it may not show up, although the changes should have been made. If you made that change up through the day of the town election and that website does not show it, we definitely need to know. If you would like to make a party change before June 2, you may do it in person at the town clerk’s office between the hours of 8:00 and 4:30 M-F. It is best to call ahead just to make sure someone will be available to help you quickly.
A new form that can be used for Party Changes has been made available by the Secretary of State. It can be found HERE. You may print this and fill it out entirely (or fill out and then print). This needs to be signed by you AND by a witness (any witness), and then sent to Supervisors of the Checklist, 8 Newmarket Rd, Durham, dropped off at the town hall, either in the drop box or in person, or FAXed to the town clerk by 4:30 on June 2.
Remember, if you come to the primary as Undeclared, you will choose which party you wish to vote that day. You may then return to Undeclared that day or any day after. However, you MAY NOT change party at a primary if you enter the polls as a Republican or a Democrat. There are always some people who forget to return to Undeclared after a primary (perhaps they voted absentee) and then are very unhappy the day of the next primary. There was some confusion about this at the Presidential Primary, but we hope to make sure everyone is aware of this well before September.
Voter Registration: People who are not yet registered to vote may do so at the Supervisor session on June 2 or at the Town Clerk’s office as mentioned above with party changes. You will be asked to show proof of identification, age (18 by the September 8 election), citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and domicile within Durham. Affidavits may be signed in the absence of proofs. There is no hurry to register to vote. This may be done up until about 10 days before the election. This also may be done absentee. To do this, please call the town clerk’s office (868-5577) and ask for the absentee registration packet. Make sure all forms in the packet are completed and signed before returning it.
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NEW RESEARCH ON EMERALD ASH BORER UNDERWAY AT DOE FARM
On Thursday, UNH Postdoctoral Research Associate Todd Johnson gave an excellent presentation to the Land Stewardship Subcommittee (LSC) on his emerald ash borer (EAB) research proposed for Doe Farm, which the LSC endorsed. You can view his presentation HERE. New Hampshire has three species of ash trees (all occur at Doe Farm) that are threatened by the non-native EAB. Todd, and his colleagues in the Forest Ecosystem Health Lab of Dr. Jeff Garnas, are evaluating how chemical defenses vary across tree size/age in green and white ash and their impact on EAB and its control. The research team will place signs on the 52 study trees at Doe Farm. We ask the public not to disturb these trees or signs from now through October. We will provide periodic updates on the EAB study in Friday Updates this summer and fall. For more information about research in Dr. Garnas’ Lab click HERE and for more information about the emerald ash borer, click HERE.
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A helicopter at work on the Eversource transmission lines, taken from Bennett Rd. near the entrance to Doe Farm. Courtesy Richard (Dick) Lord.
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COMPREHENSIVE WATER QUALITY MONITORING REPORT FOR SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT
Eversource’s environmental consultant Normandeau Associates has submitted to the NH Site Evaluation Committee a Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Report for the Seacoast Reliability Project.
It states: “In conclusion, the SRP water quality monitoring program was completed in accordance with the NHDES-approved monitoring plan and demonstrated compliance with SEC permit conditions and the DES 401 water quality certificate. Based on turbidity and TSS sampling within the approved mixing zone, the sediment dispersion model predictions presented in the permit applications accurately represented sediment transport patterns and conservatively predicted the extent and amount of sediment suspension and deposition. The results of the extensive water quality sampling program demonstrated that state water quality standards were attained for all parameters and indicate that ecological impacts during construction were negligible.”
Review the report HERE.
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EVERSOURCE TREE TRIMMING AND REMOVAL ALONG PACKERS FALLS ROAD
Residents may see Eversource doing some limited tree trimming and tree removal now along Packers Falls Road. The Planning Board approved an application from Eversource for tree work along Packers Falls Road in 2019. Eversource redirected their crews to work on Durham Point Road but are now returning to complete the work on Packers Falls Road. In addition, Eversource has been working on transmission lines.
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DURHAM POLICE HONOR LT. ROBERT HOLLIS
Lieutenant Robert Hollis passed away while on duty as a Durham Police office in the 1970s when the police department was located in the current Parks and Recreation facility. At the time, before the building was used as a court, the police operated from this building and Bob, who was on duty at the time, passed away due to a heart-attack. In previous years, Durham Police officers escort a Hollis family member as they formally placed a rose on the Law Enforcement Memorial at the State House in Concord. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the State canceled this year’s memorial. However, Sergeant John Lavoie contacted the Hollis family and arranged for an intimate gathering of the Durham Police Color Guard and a few others, including Oyster River Junior Matt Avery who accomplished a wonderful rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” as well as “Taps”. It was a very nice moment to remember a man who served his country in the Marine Corps during WWII and then served the Durham community until his death.
The 15 minute ceremony can be seen on DCAT 22.
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DID YOU KNOW? - A tidbit from the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee
Food waste that decomposes in landfills releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In addition, food that has been thrown in the garbage makes up between 30-40% of solid landfill waste. Durham’s fee to get rid of our garbage (solid waste) in March 2020 was $10,732.40. Using a conservative estimate of 30% of that figure coming from food waste, our town paid $3,219.72 to dispose of our food waste in one month alone!
Learn more about easy ways to compost and bring down our costs next week!
Learn more about the effects of food waste on the environment HERE.
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SCAVENGER HUNT: WHAT’S FLOWERING THIS WEEK?
MUD SEASON is still with us and with the desire to get outside in spring--magnified this year due to COVID-19--our trails are turning muddy in places. To alleviate some of the pressure on trails, this week’s Scavenger Hunt features: What’s Flowering This Week? We encourage people to bicycle local roads or stroll around your neighborhood. Whether on foot or bike, a reminder to maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping you (and your dog) at least six feet away from others. Enjoy and Stay Safe. Trail maps for Durham conservation areas are available HERE. Find previous Scavenger Hunts HERE.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT STORYTIME VIDEO SERIES
Members of the Durham Fire Department have created a series of videos featuring several of its staff members reading children’s books to the young friends in our community.
During this time of social distancing, the members of the Durham Fire Department appreciate the opportunity to stay connected with our friends and to let you know we are always here for you and thinking of you during this difficult time.
New storytime videos will be posted each week for the next several weeks.
The links to our video series may be found HERE.
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WALK, RUN, BIKE TO DISCOVER DURHAM’S TRAILS ... BUT PLEASE -- Maintain safe social distancing and reduce congestion at trailhead parking areas for everyone's safety
The Town of Durham’s open spaces offer places for maintaining mental and physical health for individuals and families, during these stressful times. The trails are open for exploration—due to the COVID-19 threat, visitors must maintain appropriate social distancing, which generally means keeping 6 feet apart. This is especially important on weekends, when visitation is high. If sites are congested, please seek alternate locations. It is mud season, please treat trails gently.
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RECENT TREE CLEARING AT DOE FARM
This week, Orion Tree Service spent two days clearing dead and fallen trees, malformed trees, tangles of invasive plants, and stumps from around the historic foundations at Doe Farm. Under the guidance of Land Stewardship Coordinator, Ellen Snyder, the tree crew opened up the woodland from the kiosk to the Doe burial ground, offering visitors a better view of this historic setting. Additional work will include pulling invasive plant seedlings, mowing the understory periodically, and creating a walking path. Until this work is completed, people should use caution as poison ivy is prevalent. Also, please avoid disturbing any stones in the foundations.
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 3rd Annual Contest for the Durham Lawn(s) with the Most Dandelions
As part of Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Contest to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honeybees
and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of their residential lawn where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow. In 2019 there were 12 participants. This year we hope to double or triple this number. *
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to: Lee Alexander
e-mail: mailto: leelaine-alex@comcast.net
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz.) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey.
Based on a fair (but somewhat subjective) site evaluation, the lawn judged to have the highest density of dandelions will receive a large (16 oz.) squeeze bottle of honey.
* This year Durham has been challenged to a “Two-Town Contest” with Kingston, NH. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
Dandelion Contest Update (May 8, 2020)
Some people believe that the primary purpose of holding an annual Durham Dandelion Lawn Contest is to benefit of honeybees and other beneficial pollinators. While important, there are some other reasons as well.
The botanical name of the common dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. An approximate translation from Latin is: “the official remedy for disorders”. Until the late-1800s, many Europeans died during winter/spring from diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies. But, some herb doctors knew that giving sufferers juice from the perennial roots or raw dandelion leaves restored them to health and vigor. Unfortunately, too many European and North Americans now regard this healthful, vitamin-filled plant as a despised lawn weed. Instead, it would be far better if many of us got our vitamins and minerals from eating wild green plants instead of synthetic products.
For anyone interested in gathering, preparing, and eating dandelions, “Stalking the the Wild Asparagus” by Euell Gibbons (1962) is a highly recommended classic field guide It is available from Amazon on Kindle and in printed editions.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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SUMMER CAMP UPDATE FROM DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION
The summer season is a fun and exciting time of year for a community and a highlight for Recreation Departments near and far! While this summer is undoubtedly shaping up to be much different from what we are familiar with, and what we had planned, Durham Parks & Recreation is working hard to make any needed modifications to our summer camp opportunities. With still so much unknown and so much changing daily, we are doing our best to put a summer plan in place that is safe, fun and feasible, with a goal to provide recreational opportunities that can best follow the CDC guidelines and Federal and State requirement for safe play this summer.
Durham Parks & Recreation traditionally runs 9 weeks of summer camps that include two STEM style camps, five weeks of Camp R.E.A.C.H. (in partnership with ORCSD), and two outdoor adventure-based camps to complete the summer. While we are still waiting on guidance and advisement from the Governor on summer camps, ORCSD and Durham Parks & Recreation has made the tough decision that Camp R.E.A.C.H. will not run as it traditionally has in past summers. Currently we are planning on six various theme weeks with camp boxes packed with games, crafts, and activities along with some virtual instruction all based on the theme that can be done at home. More information on our weekly themes, REACH-in-a-box, and registration should be out in the next few weeks.
At this time, DPR is still planning on our onsite camps (with modifications) that take place outside of REACH. These include, Wicked Cool Vet School, WOW Science, Robots Recruit, Outdoor Adventure Week, Adventure Paddle Week, along with another potential onsite camp at Jackson’s Landing. We know families are anxious to make some sort of a summer childcare plan. We will update the community just as soon as possible on the status of summer camps. Thank you for all of your patience and support while we navigate these challenging decisions.
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On Monday, May 18th, Durham Public Library will begin limited Library To-Go Services, Monday-Friday from noon-5:00 pm for reserves pick-ups only. Please read the guidelines below to help us ensure best safety practices.
- Library materials may be placed on hold via: the library catalog at http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/; telephone at (603) 868-6699; or email at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com.
- Item limits (Temporary exception to the DPL Circulation Policy due to limited resources): 10 items may be reserved per day per patron with a 50 item total limit per patron and/or family.
- Items reserved Monday through Thursday will be ready the next day. Items reserved on Friday and Saturday will be available on Monday. Patrons will be notified that materials are ready for pickup.
- Patrons will enter the building to the Main Library Lobby making sure to observe social distancing. Reserves will be on the shelf in the Main Library Lobby.
- Please exit through the door on the east side of the lobby preventing contact with other patrons. Please continue to use the outdoor book drop to return all materials.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 603-868-6699 or by email at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Check us out on Facebook and Instagram today for a preview of our new Storywalk Book in the rain garden!
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New to DPL! Enjoy complimentary access to The New York Times Digital edition courtesy of Durham Public Library! The New York Times Digital edition is available to all patrons of the Durham Public Library. This service includes unlimited article access on library computers, as well as promotional codes for remote access on your home computer or mobile device. For the full features included, visit the Research and Databases page on our website! Questions? Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com!
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Need help downloading books or accessing our resources on your device? Durham Public Library continues to offer device help on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to all of all patrons. Email us at mailto:durhampl@gmail.com for the zoom link to speak to someone live during these hours!
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1974 - The official seal was accepted by the selectmen. The rising sun background was from the original State Seal, but the foreground is the scene from the Falls bridge. The gundalow has had much to do with early livelihood of the Town. The seal was designed by Richard Brayton.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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Have a very nice weekend and stay safe and well.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator/Emergency Management Director
Town of Durham, NH
a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA
t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us
He/him/his pronouns
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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